What to Expect: A Guide to Therapy at Balanced Self

Feb 26

You’re here because you’ve realized that just working hard isn’t leading to feeling happy and content; or you are still dealing with that pesky inner critic even though you are highly successful and have checked all the boxes. You’re here because you’re ready for something different. So, let’s see what therapy at Balanced Self Psychotherapy is actually about.

Listen, if you’ve met one therapist, you’ve met one therapist. Every clinician brings a unique life experience to the chair. At Balanced Self Psychotherapy, I bring 20+ years of experience, a deep understanding of immigrant family dynamics, and a commitment to keeping it as real as it gets.

Here is exactly how we work together to move you from overwhelmed to an integrated, balanced self.

The 15-Minute Consultation

This is not to convince you to work with me, that’s for you to decide. And your nervous system will let you know. I promise.

The Goal: You share a bit about what’s going on, and I’ll explain my approach and whether I have the expertise you are looking for.
The Fit: If I’m not the right person to support your journey, I’ll tap into my network and find a therapist who is.
Booking: If you’d like to move forward, we then move to booking our first few sessions and having you complete your intake form at your own leisure.

Book a Consult

Session One

Here, we start by covering some important stuff: informed consent and policies. I repeat these out loud so there are no surprises later. Then, we pivot to you.

You’re in the driver's seat: You can share what brought you in, or I can ask prompting questions if you’re feeling stuck.
The Big Picture: We’ll discuss your goals, your history with therapy, and the coping skills you’re currently using to survive the week.

Session Two and Onwards

Every session starts with a quick recap about how last session felt for you. Then, we set an agenda together.

Agenda Setting: We list what’s on your mind, and you choose what we dive into.
The Dynamic: I ask lots of questions. We might do a psycho-education deep dive, engage in a somatic exercise, or explore your inner wisdom. This is a team effort.

I use evidence-based interventions, but I don't use them like a rigid textbook.

Therapeutic Modalities (With a Cultural Lens)

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT gets a bad rap for being gaslighty especially regarding racial trauma. I don't use it as a manual. We use the parts that work—understanding how thoughts impact emotions—while consistently working to decolonize therapy.
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT): I use this for skill-building—mindfulness, managing big emotions, and improving those tricky family relationships.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: ACT is big on values. Sometimes, clients have been so busy focusing on what they “should” be doing, they don’t examine what makes life meaningful for them.
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: Cognitive interventions can only take us so far. You’d be amazed at what we learn when we pay attention to your body’s messaging.

Trauma-Informed, Anti-Oppressive & Decolonial

My approach is rooted in an Anti-Oppressive and Decolonial Lens. That means that there are two experts in the room. I’m an expert in mental health practices and you’re the expert in your own life. Sure, I will offer ideas and suggestions, but you are the driver of those suggestions. You try them out, and come back to tweak or share how you made it work in your style.

My Style: Authentic, Accountable, Focused on You

I’ve worked with adolescents for most of my career. They can smell bullshit a mile away, and I’ve carried that honesty into my private practice.

The Team: We’re a team. I can be directive when you’re stuck, or I’ll let you lead.
The Experience: We will laugh, we will cry, and I will challenge you. I call it loving accountability.
The Result: You get 50 minutes focused entirely on YOU. It’s the one place where you don’t have to take care of anyone else.